Occhi Belli

Eyebright

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For centuries, Eyebright has been regarded as a remedy for tired, inflamed, watering eyes. It is interesting to note that in most European languages, the plant’s value as an eye medicine is indicated in its name. For example, the French call it casselunettes, “breaker of spectacles”; the Italians, luminella, “light for the eyes”; and the Germans, augentrost “consolation to the eyes”.

The beneficial effects of Eyebright on faulty vision were recognized early in the 14th century. The plant was described as the source of a “precious water to clear a man’s sight”. Eyebright will strengthen all the tissues of the eye and provide an elasticity and greater resiliency to the important nerve and optic devices responsible for our sight.

Bilberry
Bilberry is a small shrub native to Europe, the United States and Canada. It is a cousin to the North American huckleberry and blueberry. Bilberries have been used to make jam in parts of Europe for hundreds of years. Medicinal use of Bilberry became popular during World War II. British Royal Air Force pilots would consume bilberry jam prior to night flying and they swore that this jam helped to improve their night vision and prevented visual fatigue.

The active constituents of bilberries are anthocyanosides. In fresh fruit, the anthocyanidin content is 0.1 to 0.25% of the weight of the berries. In dried
fruit, the content is 1 to 2%. Concentrated Bilberry extracts are now standardized to contain 20 to 25% anthocyanosides. Other ingredients in Bilberry include a high concentration of tannins, and a high Vitamin C content. For many years, Europeans have been using an extract of Bilberry to
strengthen the human capillary system. It is used specifically to prevent and treat fragile capillaries and capillaries which leak blood or other fluids into the
tissues.

Fragile blood vessels are often related to high blood pressure or diabetes. Capillary fragility can be a serious medical problem if it results in hemorrhaging, stroke, heart attack or blindness resulting from damage to the retina of the eye. Less serious effects of capillary fragility include easy bruising, varicose veins, “spider veins”, poor night vision, and numbness or cramping of the legs. Bilberry helps to prevent such problems by strengthening the capillaries and other small blood vessels.

As with other flavonoids, Bilberry compounds are anti-oxidants, which protect cells and membranes from damage caused by free radicals. Bilberry flavonoids are special though. They have specific effects on both blood vessels and blood cells by maintaining the flexibility of their cell membranes. Through this action, the capillaries are better able to stretch, increasing blood flow, and red blood cells are better able to form into a shape which allows them to pass through very narrow capillaries.

The eye is especially susceptible to compromised circulation. Both diabetes and hypertension are notorious for causing changes in the retina which
compromise vision. In a 1987 clinical study, Italian researchers demonstrated in 40 patients an 80% improvement in vision and microcirculation resulting from Bilberry anthocyanins.

Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract has been used in several important studies that highlight its anti-mutagenic and anti-oxidant properties.
With its standardized concentration of proanthocyanidins, it has proven to be superior in preventing changes in cell structure and protecting against
mutagens. It is a powerful weapon in our arsenal against free radicals and it enhances the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin C and
Vitamin E which help maintain general health.

Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are what give fruits and vegetables their special colours and flavours. The body cannot produce bioflavonoids so they must be supplied
in the diet. Citrus flavonoids, which include rutin, are important for maintaining healthy blood vessels. Bioflavonoids also enhance the absorption of
Vitamin C.

In addition, bioflavonoids have an antibacterial effect, lower cholesterol levels, promote circulation and treat and prevent cataracts. Kelp Kelp is a rich source of B Vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It is reported to be beneficial to tissue, the membranes surrounding the brain, the sensory nerves, blood vessels and the spinal cord.